Digital Media CMS

Author: Alexis Raya

  • Atom: Harnessing Social Connections for Effective Habit Tracking

    In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining good habits and achieving personal goals can be challenging. Atom, a habit-tracking application developed by Drexel University’s User Experience and Interaction Design (UXID) students, aims to leverage social connections to help users stay on track with their habits and goals.

    The Challenge: Making Lifestyle Changes Stick

    Changing aspects of one’s life can be incredibly difficult, especially when done alone. Managing the small habits that contribute to larger lifestyle changes requires significant effort, and self-accountability is often a major hurdle. Atom seeks to address these challenges by creating a community-focused platform for habit tracking and goal achievement.

    Key Features

    • Goal and habit management
    • Group goals for accountability
    • Social connections with friends and team members
    • Micro-habit tracking for larger goals

    The Development Process

    Over six months, the Atom team went through four main phases: initial research, application flow design, user testing, and final development. This comprehensive approach led to valuable insights and a functional finished product.

    Research-Driven Design

    The team’s research highlighted three key principles for effective habit tracking:

    • Consistent reminders and repetition
    • Breaking goals into micro-habits
    • Leveraging group pressure for engagement

    Iterative Design and Testing

    The team conducted multiple rounds of user testing, starting with paper prototypes and progressing to interactive Figma prototypes. This iterative process helped refine the user flow and address initial confusion between goals and habits.

    Technology Stack

    Atom was developed using React for the front-end and Firebase for the back-end, focusing on creating reusable and adjustable components for streamlined development.

    While the team faced challenges and couldn’t implement all desired features due to time constraints, Atom successfully delivers a usable web app that fulfills its core concept. The project not only resulted in a functional product but also provided invaluable lessons in project management, team communication, and the complexities of app development.

  • Petpet: Revolutionizing Virtual Pet Interaction with Leap Motion Technology

    In the ever-evolving landscape of user experience design, Petpet emerges as an innovative digital pet simulator that harnesses the power of Leap Motion Controller. Developed by a Drexel University student over a 10-week period, this project explores the potential of hand-tracking technology in creating meaningful and intuitive interactions with virtual pets.

    The Challenge: Meaningful Gestures in Digital Pet Care

    Petpet aims to redefine how users interact with digital content by:

    • Utilizing the Leap Motion Controller 2 for hand-tracking
    • Creating intuitive gesture controls for pet interaction
    • Designing a user interface that demonstrates purposeful use of hand-tracking technology
    • Simulating real-life pet care gestures in a digital environment

    Development Process

    The project unfolded in two main phases:

    1. Research: Understanding Leap Motion capabilities and experimenting with the technology
    2. Development: Designing Petpet’s style, wireframes, and gesture controls

    Key Features and Innovations

    Petpet stands out with its user-centric features:

    • Hybrid-controlled web app toggling between Leap Motion and cursor
    • Intuitive gestures like petting, pouring food, and belly rubs
    • Health progress bar to gamify pet care
    • Guided instructions for both cursor and Leap Motion modes

    Design Considerations

    The project incorporated several key design elements:

    • A tribute to classic virtual pet simulators in color palette
    • AI-generated wireframe images for efficient prototyping
    • Spatial UI design principles for 3D interaction

    Future Improvements

    Potential enhancements for Petpet include:

    • Transitioning to a 3D space for more diverse interactions
    • Expanding the collection of animals
    • Conducting further research on pet owner interactions

    Petpet not only showcases the potential of Leap Motion technology in creating engaging digital experiences but also highlights the importance of adapting to evolving technologies in the field of UX design.

  • Clink: Revolutionizing the Bar Experience for New Drinkers

    In a remarkable display of innovation and user-centered design, a team of five talented students from Drexel University’s User Experience and Interaction Design (UXID) program developed Clink, an app aimed at helping new drinkers navigate the often overwhelming world of cocktails.

    The team identified a common problem among new bar-goers: the difficulty in choosing drinks due to overwhelming options, unfamiliarity with personal preferences, and limited knowledge of cocktails and their ingredients. This insight came from extensive user research, including social media engagement, surveys, and in-depth interviews with the target audience of 21 to 28-year-olds.

    Research-Driven Design

    The development process spanned nine months and involved multiple stages of user research and prototype iteration. Key findings included:

    90% of inexperienced drinkers reported difficulty in deciding what to order

    75% of respondents expressed eagerness to learn more about cocktails

    These insights guided the team in creating a solution that addressed real user needs.

    Innovative Features

    Clink’s standout features include:

    Personalized drink recommendations based on user preferences and interactions

    A dark mode interface for easy viewing in dimly lit bars

    AI-generated imagery for a cohesive visual experience

    User-friendly search and filtering options

    The app’s design philosophy focused on minimal intrusion, aiming to enhance rather than disrupt the bar-going experience.

    Impact and Reception

    The Clink prototype made a significant impact at Westphal’s Digital Media Senior Showcase & Expo. Over 40 guests tested the live prototype, with many inquiring about its availability for download. The team’s newsletter garnered 47 sign-ups from individuals interested in following the app’s development and future launch.

    This project not only showcases the practical application of UXID principles but also demonstrates the potential for student-led innovations to address real-world challenges. The success of Clink at the showcase has inspired the team to consider further development, potentially turning this academic project into a marketable product.

    Clink stands as a testament to the quality of education and innovation fostered within Drexel’s UXID program, highlighting how user-centered design can create impactful solutions for everyday problems.

  • Sophomore Year as a GDAP Student

    Sophomore Year as a GDAP Student

    Sophomore year in Drexel’s Game Design & Production (GDAP) program is where students transition from learning the basics to building fully interactive and engaging games. This year focuses on game mechanics, programming, 3D modeling, and team-based development, helping students refine their skills and start thinking about their specialization in the gaming industry.

    Core Classes

    Sophomore-year courses dive deeper into game engines, design principles, and technical skills. Some key classes include:

    Scripting for Game Design (GMAP231): This course explores modern game engine scripting languages that are event-driven, control the art assets, provide multiplayer communication, and database access.

    Character Animation for Gaming (GMAP367): This course focuses on character animation techniques for real-time graphics, including cyclical animations, procedural animation, motion capture and integration into game engines.

    Game User Interface Design (GMAP211): This course explores the design, prototyping, and evaluation of game user interfaces, focusing on human capabilities, input technologies, and design principles. Students learn to create visually appealing, efficient interfaces through key concepts like learnability, visibility, error prevention, and user perception.

    Overview of Computer Gaming (GMAP260): This course presents an overview of computer gaming, including its history, its foundation in traditional games and its contemporary forms. The relationship among genres, platforms and audiences are examined and critical evaluation skills are developed.

    Skills You’ll Develop

    Sophomore year expands both technical and creative abilities to prepare students for larger game projects:

    Advanced Game Programming – Implement complex gameplay mechanics using C# (Unity) or Blueprints/C++ (Unreal Engine).

    3D Asset Creation & Animation – Model, texture, and rig game-ready assets for real-time rendering.

    Game Design Documentation & Prototyping – Develop structured plans and iterate based on playtesting feedback.

    Multiplayer & AI Integration – Experiment with online gameplay and enemy behavior systems.

    Projects & Challenges

    Sophomore year focuses on team-based projects and expanding creative problem-solving skills. Expect assignments like:

    First-Person/Third-Person Prototype – Developing a playable character with movement, interactions, and physics.

    3D Game Environment Design – Modeling and texturing immersive game worlds.

    Interactive Story Project – Writing and developing a branching narrative experience using Twine or Unity.

    AI & Enemy Behavior System – Programming non-playable characters (NPCs) with decision-making logic.

    A key challenge at this stage is team collaboration—learning to work efficiently with artists, programmers, and designers in a structured game development pipeline.

    Tips for Success

    Master your tools. Get comfortable with Unity, Unreal Engine, Blender, and game scripting.

    Test & iterate constantly. Playtesting is crucial—get feedback early and refine your work.

    Build a specialized skillset. Whether it’s level design, AI programming, animation, or storytelling, start focusing on an area of expertise.

    Join game dev communities. Participate in game jams, online forums, and networking events to build connections.

    Looking Ahead

    Sophomore year sets the stage for real-world experience—pre-junior year will involve more polished game projects, portfolio-building, and preparation for co-op applications. Whether focusing on design, programming, or art, now is the time to sharpen skills for future success in the game industry.

  • Sophomore Year as a GDAP Student

    Pre-Junior Year as a GDAP Student

    Pre-junior year in Drexel’s Game Design & Production (GDAP) program is a critical step toward specialization and professional development. At this stage, students are no longer just learning the fundamentals—they are refining their skills, developing industry-ready projects, and preparing for co-op applications. This year is about team collaboration, portfolio-building, and deepening expertise in game design, programming, or art.

    Core Classes

    As coursework becomes more advanced, students focus on game production pipelines, optimization techniques, and industry standards. Some key classes include:

    Game Development Foundations (GMAP345): This course introduces students to the computer game design process. Students also learn how the individual skills of modeling, animation, scripting, interface design and storytelling are coordinated to produce interactive media experiences.

    Advanced Game Design and Production (GMAP395): This course will step through the various modules of game engines, enabling students to gain access to real-time shaders and materials, particle systems and animation techniques.

    Advanced Portfolio (GMAP246): This course focuses on building skills for the career-long practice of producing and maintaining a professional creative portfolio while allowing the students the opportunity to create or refine additional student-driven portfolio work that synthesizes their skills and experience from direct class assignments in their other coursework.

    GMAP Electives: Many students explore course electives to focus on building their skills in the area of GDAP that they want to pursue after graduation.

    Skills You’ll Develop

    This year is all about polishing skills and applying them to real-world projects:

    Advanced Gameplay Systems – Designing and implementing AI behavior, combat mechanics, and complex interactions.

    Optimized 3D Art & Animation – Creating high-quality assets for real-time performance in Unity and Unreal Engine.

    Multiplayer & Networking – Understanding online play, matchmaking, and real-time interactions.

    Portfolio Development & Industry Prep – Refining projects for co-op applications and industry showcases.

    Projects & Challenges

    With an increased focus on team-based development, students will work on projects that mimic real-world production cycles:

    Fully Playable Game Prototype – Developing a polished game with custom mechanics, AI, and visual effects.

    Expansive 3D Level Design – Creating immersive environments with interactive storytelling elements.

    Multiplayer Game Project – Implementing networking features for online gameplay.

    Portfolio & Demo Reel Creation – Curating work to showcase technical and artistic skills for co-op and job applications.

    A major challenge this year is finding a specialization—students need to identify whether they want to focus on game design, programming, art, technical development, or UX/UI for games.

    Tips for Success

    Apply early for co-op. The best opportunities fill up fast—start preparing your portfolio in the fall.

    Develop a standout portfolio. Focus on quality over quantity, showing your best work and polished case studies.

    Collaborate like a pro. Learn to work effectively in teams using Agile development, version control (Git), and project management tools.

    Network with professionals. Attend game dev conferences, join online communities, and connect with industry experts.

    Looking Ahead

    Pre-junior year is all about preparing for professional experience—junior-year co-op placements will allow students to work in real game studios, apply their skills in production settings, and gain valuable industry insights. The next step? Putting those skills to the test in the real world.

  • Sophomore Year as a GDAP Student

    Junior Year as a GDAP Student

    Junior year in Drexel’s Game Design & Production (GDAP) program is a defining moment, as students transition from academic learning to hands-on industry experience through co-op placements. This year is all about applying game development, programming, and design skills in real-world settings while working on advanced coursework. Whether working at a game studio, software company, or indie development team, junior year is the time to gain industry insights, refine portfolios, and build professional connections.

    While some students spend half of the year in co-op roles, coursework continues to focus on polishing game development skills and preparing for senior capstone projects. With junior year and real-world experience under their belt, GDAP students head into senior year ready to tackle their capstone project and industry showcase. The next step? Building an impressive final game project and preparing for full-time job opportunities.

    Core Classes

    While some students spend half of the year in co-op roles, coursework continues to focus on polishing game development skills and preparing for senior capstone projects. Some key classes include Game Development: Workshop I (GMAP377) which examines the roles of the executive producer and the development team in taking a computer game from concept to design document through production. Students will work in small teams to research andplan a production effort that results in a pre-production prototype. Advanced Game Playtesting (GMAP321) is a course where students will play the role of a game user researcher (GUR) and learn how to conduct more advanced and rigorous playtests and how to run professional-quality studies that support a better understanding of player behavior and identify usability issues. Students will develop and run a study using an existing game project. Game Development: Workshop II (GMAP378) provides an environment in which the pre-production of GMAP 377 Game Development: Workshop I can be taken through a full production effort. Students work in small teams to bring a selected prototype to completion. Many students also explore GMAP Electives to focus on building their skills in the area of GDAP that they want to pursue after graduation.

    Skills You’ll Develop

    Junior year is focused on industry-ready skills, workflow efficiency, and professional development, including Industry Production Pipelines – Working within structured teams using Scrum, Agile, and version control (Git), AI & Advanced Game Systems – Implementing dynamic enemy behavior, pathfinding, and game logic, Project & Time Management – Juggling coursework, portfolio updates, and professional responsibilities, and Professional Communication & Collaboration – Learning to present ideas, receive feedback, and work with cross-disciplinary teams.

    Co-op Experience: Learning in the Industry

    Many GDAP students spend six months working in professional game studios, indie teams, or software companies. These co-ops provide real-world experience in Game Programming – Developing gameplay mechanics, physics simulations, and AI behavior, Game Art & Animation – Creating 3D assets, animations, and textures optimized for real-time rendering, Game Design & Narrative – Crafting engaging player experiences, level design, and interactive storytelling, and Technical Art & Optimization – Implementing shaders, VFX, and performance enhancements for games. Between coursework and co-op, students work on more complex and industry-focused projects, including Full Game Prototypes – Creating market-ready game experiences with polished mechanics and UI/UX, Cinematic Cutscene Development – Integrating animation, motion capture, and storytelling into game engines, Game AI & Physics Systems – Implementing sophisticated behaviors and interactive environments, and Portfolio & Resume Refinement – Preparing demo reels and case studies for job applications. One of the biggest challenges this year is balancing co-op responsibilities with coursework and personal projects. Time management becomes essential!

    Tips for Success: Take full advantage of co-op. Ask questions, network, and treat it like an extended job interview. Refine your demo reel. Showcase work that aligns with your desired job role—whether in design, programming, or art. Experiment with new tools. Learn advanced techniques in real-time rendering, procedural generation, or AI-driven game design. Engage with the game dev community. Attend game jams, networking events, and industry talks to build connections.

  • Sophomore Year as a GDAP Student

    Senior Year as a GDAP Student

    Senior year in Drexel’s Game Design & Production (GDAP) program is the grand finale before stepping into the professional world. With co-op experience, technical skills, and portfolio projects under their belts, students spend this year developing their senior capstone projects, preparing for the Drexel Digital Media Showcase, and finalizing their portfolios. This is the time to specialize, network, and ensure readiness for careers in game design, development, or production.

    The final year is focused on large-scale projects, portfolio refinement, and industry networking. With senior year wrapping up, GDAP students take their capstone games, portfolios, and professional experience into the real world. Whether entering AAA game studios, indie development, VR experiences, or technical game production, the journey is just beginning.

    Core Classes

    The final year is focused on large-scale projects, portfolio refinement, and industry networking. Some key classes include Advanced Portfolio (GMAP246) which focuses on building skills for the career-long practice of producing and maintaining a professional creative portfolio while allowing the students the opportunity to create or refine additional student-driven portfolio work that synthesizes their skills and experience from direct class assignments in their other coursework. Digital Media Senior Project (DIGM490) is a course where students create professional media assets for a team-based senior project in a simulated production environment. They integrate academic and practical knowledge, refine digital media production skills, and enhance written, oral, and visual communication through collaboration and industry best practices.

    Skills You’ll Master

    At this stage, GDAP students refine their professional expertise to prepare for industry roles, including Full Game Production Workflow – Managing development from concept to launch, including QA and optimization, Polished Game Design & Mechanics – Creating balanced, engaging gameplay with player-focused interactions, Team Collaboration & Leadership – Managing group projects and working in structured pipelines, and Presentation & Industry Communication – Preparing for studio interviews, portfolio reviews, and the Digital Media Showcase.

    The Drexel Digital Media Showcase: Showcasing the Capstone Project

    The Drexel Digital Media Showcase is the highlight of senior year, where students present their capstone projects to faculty, industry professionals, and potential employers. How to Prepare for the Showcase: Finalizing the Capstone Game – Ensuring smooth gameplay, polished UI/UX, and bug-free mechanics, Refining the Portfolio – Featuring the best projects in a professional online portfolio and demo reel, Perfecting the Pitch – Practicing game presentations for an audience of recruiters, professors, and industry peers, and Networking with Industry Professionals – Engaging with game studios, indie developers, and hiring managers. The biggest challenge of senior year is balancing the capstone project with job applications and industry networking. Deadlines become tighter, expectations rise, and refining skills becomes crucial to stand out in the competitive gaming field.

    Tips for Success: Start job hunting early. Many studios begin hiring months in advance—don’t wait until graduation. Polish your demo reel. Focus on high-quality work that aligns with your career goals. Practice public speaking. Game designers must be able to pitch and present their ideas confidently. Stay ahead of industry trends. Emerging tech like AI in gaming, virtual production, and real-time rendering can give you an edge.

  • A Peek Into UXID Electives

    Beyond core UXID coursework, electives offer students the chance to explore specialized topics that deepen their understanding of user research, product validation, and interactive app design. These courses provide hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools and methodologies, preparing students for the dynamic field of UX design. Here’s a look at some of the key electives offered in the UXID program and what students can expect to learn.

    The UXID elective courses provide students with the opportunity to explore specialized areas of UX design, from research and product validation to mobile and web application development. These courses help students build a competitive portfolio, gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools, and prepare for careers in UX/UI design, product strategy, and app development.

    User Research Methodologies

    Understanding users is the foundation of UX design. This course teaches students how to construct, implement, and analyze user interviews to gain deep insights into their target audience. Students explore qualitative and quantitative research methods, persona development, and usability testing strategies. Example work includes User Interview Reports – Conducting and synthesizing interviews to identify pain points and user needs, Affinity Diagrams – Organizing research findings to discover common themes, and Persona Development – Creating data-driven user personas for better design decisions.

    Validating Product Ideas

    This course focuses on how to design, implement, and measure multichannel experiences to ensure they deliver value for users and businesses. Students learn techniques for conducting competitive analyses, A/B testing, and customer journey mapping to validate product-market fit before development.

    Interactive App Design

    This course builds upon Mobile Interactive Design I, guiding students on how to convert web-based applications into cross-platform native mobile applications. Special emphasis is placed on optimizing user experiences for different screen sizes and incorporating mobile-specific functionalities.

    Interactive App Design focuses on building and testing dynamic web application prototypes using event-driven JavaScript languages. Students learn how to create seamless user interactions, animations, and responsive interfaces with modern frameworks like React or Svelte.

  • Digital Media Alumni Spotlight – Paul Phan

    Meet Paul Phan, a 2016 graduate of Drexel University’s Interactive Digital Media program. Paul’s career has flourished through his dedication to digital media, and today, he plays multiple roles as a Senior Software Engineer, an Adjunct Professor, and an entrepreneur.

    Paul credits his co-op experience as one of the most valuable aspects of his time at Drexel. Working in a professional setting before graduating gave him an incredible advantage, leading to part-time opportunities during his studies and a full-time job offer post-graduation. The fast-paced quarter system also strengthened his ability to manage multiple projects and quickly adapt—skills that have been instrumental in his success.

    Drexel Experience

    Paul credits his co-op experience as one of the most valuable aspects of his time at Drexel. Working in a professional setting before graduating gave him an incredible advantage, leading to part-time opportunities during his studies and a full-time job offer post-graduation. The fast-paced quarter system also strengthened his ability to manage multiple projects and quickly adapt—skills that have been instrumental in his success. His co-op mentor played a pivotal role in accelerating his growth, helping him gain skills and experiences that placed him years ahead of a typical new graduate.

    Career Path & Achievements

    Currently, Paul is a Senior Software Engineer at Dotdash Meredith, an Adjunct Professor in Drexel’s UXID program (formerly IDM), and the founder of his own digital software agency. Outside of work, he remains active in building websites and apps, mentoring students, and expanding his business.

    Advice to Students

    Paul encourages students to take pride in every project they work on—whether it’s a class assignment, personal project, or freelance work—because each one is a potential portfolio piece that can open doors. He emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation, staying curious, and experimenting with new technologies. His key advice: “The more you put into your work now, the more it will pay off later.”

    Connect with Paul: LinkedIn Profile | Website

  • Digital Media Alumni Spotlight – Mike Carbone

    Meet Mike Carbone, a 2020 graduate of Drexel University’s Interactive Digital Media program. Mike has made a name for himself in the tech industry, leveraging his design and engineering expertise to launch startups, run his own software agency, and contribute to cutting-edge customer engagement software.

    Mike’s most memorable project at Drexel was Pluto, a privacy-focused social network for iPhone and Android. He credits Drexel’s Digital Media program for providing him with unlimited resources and the creative freedom to bring ambitious projects to life. The faculty’s dedication to hands-on, real-world learning gave him a unique advantage in launching his career.

    Drexel Experience

    As part of an extraordinarily talented team, Mike helped create a beautifully designed product that users loved. He credits Drexel’s Digital Media program for providing him with unlimited resources and the creative freedom to bring ambitious projects to life. The faculty’s dedication to hands-on, real-world learning gave him a unique advantage in launching his career.

    Career Path & Achievements

    Currently, Mike is a Product Engineer at Knock Labs, a New York-based software startup specializing in customer engagement solutions. In addition to his role at Knock, he runs his own software agency and builds startups, constantly pushing the boundaries of digital innovation. His ability to blend product design with engineering has distinguished him in the industry, allowing him to create impactful digital experiences.

    Advice to Students

    Mike encourages students to collaborate beyond the classroom, experiment with new technologies, and seize every opportunity that excites them. He emphasizes the importance of networking with peers and professors beyond coursework, as these connections can open doors to incredible opportunities. His biggest advice? “This is your time to experience as much as the university has to offer—don’t miss out!”

    Connect with Mike: Company Website | Personal Website | LinkedIn | Twitter/X: @MikeCarbone